Stafford, a junior at South Effingham High School, eventually lost the playoff to West Laurens senior Collin Baggett but took second place in the event.

Eatonton’s Hopper wins state Public Links title

ACWORTH — John Hopper of Eatonton posted a 1-under-par 70 in the final round Sunday to clinch the 24th annual Georgia Public Links Championship at Cobblestone Golf Course.

Hopper’s 2-under 140 (70-70) total was one stroke better than Scott Melton of Ringgold (71-70) and Billy Mitchell of Roswell (69-72). Mitchell entered this week as the two-time defending Public Links champion.

Pooler’s Robert Wyrick II tied for 39th at 79-79—158 (16 over).

Armstrong men’s tennis players play in Athens

ATHENS — The Armstrong Atlantic State University men’s tennis squad wrapped up action Sunday in the Southern Intercollegiates, hosted by the University of Georgia.

Freshman Jaan Kononov saw the lion’s share of action as he played in two singles matches and one doubles match on the day. In the NCAA Division II singles bracket, Kononov rallied from a set deficit to knock off Zach Wilder of Ole Miss, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, to advance to the semifinals.

Earlier in the day, Kononov paired with Pedro Scocuglia to pick up an 8-1 win in the DII doubles bracket over Florida Gulf Coast’s Michael Beiler and Collin Brown. The duo retired from the draw after Kononov’s pair of singles matches on Saturday meant Kononov was unable to continue play late Sunday.

The Pirates return to action Sept. 21 at the ITA Southeast Regional Championships in Sumter, S.C.

INTERNATIONAL

Hamilton wins Italian GP; Alonso extends F1 lead

MONZA, Italy — McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton won the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, and Formula One leader Fernando Alonso of Ferrari finished third to extend his overall lead.

Speculation about Hamilton’s future and a possible switch to Mercedes dominated the weekend, but the 2008 champion put the focus firmly back on his driving with his first victory at Monza and the 20th of his career.

It’s unlikely to have much impact on the championship after an impressive race from Alonso, much to the delight of the fans at Ferrari’s home track. The Spaniard started from 10th on the grid after he had technical difficulties during qualifying.

Hamilton moved past defending champion Sebastian Vettel to take second place in the drivers’ standings, 37 points behind Alonso.